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COPyRIGHT DEPOSm 




LIZZIE L. BAKER 




onderland 



and 



Other 
Verses 



By 
Mrs. Lizzie L. BaRer 



« 



^^ 



B 0«T0 N 

James H. E^arle (Sl> Co., Publishers 

178 Washington Street 






TWO OnPtea i'we'vwl 

AUG 80 1904 

CLASS ^ XXo, Np- 
' COPY B 



Copyright, 1984 
By Lizzie L. Baker. 

All rights resBrved. 



CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

I Yonderland 11 

II One Year 12 

III For Christ 13 

IV A Tribute 14 

V Easter 16 

VI Our Mother 18 

VII Thanksgiving 19 

VIII Abba Father 21 

IX Our Mission 22 

X The Name of Jesus 23 

XI A Picture 24 

XII With Christ 26 

XIII Life is Life 27 

XIV Our Angel Boy 28 

XV Our Father 30 

XVI I Know 32 

XVII The Mother 33 

XVIII Trusting 34 

XIX Not Dead 35 

XX Praise 37 

XXI Anniversary Hymn 37 

XXII Service 38 

XXIII A Prayer 40 

XXIV Angel of Death 41 

XX Y Shadraich, Meshach, and Abednego . 42 

XXVI A. New Year's Wish 43 

XXVII A Lesson 44 

XXVIII My iSihepiherd 46 



CONTENTS — Continued. 

PAGE. 

XXIX Blessed are they that Mourn ... 47 

XXX Our Care-Taker 48 

XXXI I Shall See Him 48 

XXXII Alone with God 49 

XXXIII Now I Lay Me 50 

XXXIV The Clay Artist ........ 51 

XXXV My Treasure 53 

XXXVI 3now 55 

XXXVII A Golden Wedding 56 

XXXVIII My Home 58 

XXXIX Fourteen Years 59 

XL Lullaby 60 

XLI One Day Each Year . .... 61 

XLII The Eighty-ninth Birthday ... 63 

XLIII Birthday Thoughts 66 

XLIV Memories 67 

VERSES FOR CHILDREN. 

XLV Christmas 71 

XLVI The Old North Church 75 

XLVII The Reason Why 78 

XLVIII A Monkey Story 80 

XEIX Mary's Lamb 83 

L Anecdote of Webster 85 

LI Worship 87 

LII The Robin's Story 88 

LIII Sheltered 90 

LIV A Winsome Laddie '.y2 

LV A Valentine 94 

LVI Little Joe 95 



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DEDICATION. 



O loved ones now in Yonderland! 
O loved ones on the hither strand ! 
Through all my life's eventful years 
Your gracious deeds have dried my tears. 
Your loyalty, my heart divines 
Gave inspiration for these lines. 



jj, j^ jj, j^ j^ j^ j^ j^ j^ j^ jP j^ j^ g^ j^ j^ j^ j^ j^ j^ j^ ^ j^ j^ 



INTRODUCTION. 



So many expressions of grateful 
thanks have been received from friends 
and strangers, for comfort found in a few 
of these verses previously published in 
the papers, the author wisel}'- yields to 
the urgency for their publication and 
sends forth this little volume with the 
assurance from her friends, that other 
pilgrims will through them find windows 
open toward the sun-rising. 

Sarah B. Tupper. 



YONDERLAND. ii 



YONDERLAND. 

FOUR blissful years in Yonderland, 
Thou blessed friend of mine; 

Can'st whisper to my waiting heart, 
What heavenly joys are thine? 

Do dearest ones in Yonderland, 
Leave their blest homes above. 

And bring to weary ones of earth, 
Sweet messages of love? 

Will our first hour in Yonderland, 

Make us forget the tears. 
The bitter grief, the dwarfing pain, 

The anguish of past years? 

Soft breathes a voice from Yonderland; 

"Dear heart dismiss thy fear. 
No memories of sorrow's night 

Can ever enter here." 

O Yonderland! fair Yonderland! 

No sobbing in thy songs. 
No blinding tears, to mock thy smiles. 

No traitor 'mid thy throngs. 



t..ofC. 



12 ONE YEAR. 

O Yonderland ! dear Yonderland ! 

How longs my soul for thee, 
To walk with mine thy golden streets, 

My King in glory see. 



OWE YEAR. 

ONE year ago today, beloved, 

God gave thy spirit wings, 
That thou might'st fly to realms above, 

Where highest seraph sings. 

What hast thou seen these months, beloved. 

In that fair land so bright? 
Did loved ones meet thee at the gate, 

With raptures of delight? 

Where hast thou been these months, beloved? 

In what fair field hast wrought? 
Full well I know, with loving deeds 

Each moment has been fraught. 

Hast thou been oft with me, beloved. 

On comfort mission sent? 
Hast o'er my tear-wet couch at night 

In tender pity bent? 



YONDERLAND. 13 

Would I could lay my cheek, beloved, 

Close up to thine once more, 
And tell thee all within my heart 

Just as I did of yore; 

And thou could'st speak to me, beloved, 

Of all the visions rare. 
That dawn upon thy raptured sight 

In yonder mansions fair. 

But God's sweet will be done, beloved. 

In patience will I wait 
'Til his own hand shall lift the latch, 

That ope's the pearly gate. 

And thou with radiant smile, beloved, 

Will haste to meet me there; 
What seems my cross, will prove my crown, 

When heaven with thee I share. 



FOR CHRIST. 



WHEN in God's Holy Writ I read. 
That Jesus Christ, in accents sweet, 

To a proud Pharisee, once said, 

"She hath not ceased to kiss my feet." 



14 A TRIBUTE. 



I think, if he were here today. 

With deep contrition, I would bow 

At his dear feet, so I might feel 
His healing touch, upon my brow. 

Or if anointing, I might give 

With eager feet I'd gladly tread. 

My alabaster vase to break, 
And pour on his beloved head. 

Is there some way, that I may prove 
This, I would do, if he were here? 

Praise God! if with another's woe 
I drop the sympathizing tear. 

If I my yielded life would give, 

Sin's chains to break, and set souls free. 
Sometime, it shall be mine to hear 

Christ say, "Ye did it unto me." 



A TRIBUTE. 

THOU wert in all thy noble manhood's prime. 
When first I came to know thee, my beloved; 
And as I now recall the virtues, that most 
Become a man, I know not one, that thou 
Did'st lack. 



YONDERLAND. 15 

So great was thy high sense of justice, 
That naught from thy ideal could make thee 
Swerve, and yet thou wert so kind and gentle, 
Little children loved thee, and thou did'st love 
All things 'twere meet to love. 

Base and ignoble 
Thoughts ne'er found a resting place within thy 
Heart; great also was thy patience, though oft 
By sorest trials prest, none ever heard thee 
Murmur, or doubt the kindness of thy God. 
And when one sinned against thee thou didst 
Carry free forgiveness in thy heart, for each. 
Such was thy deep humility, to give 
Thee«eeded praise, was but to give thee pain: 
From thy opeij door, no needy one ere went 
With empty hand. 

With running brooks and woods 
And fields and song of birds, thy heart was 

tuned; f ■ ' j,. 

Communing much with God, who clothed them 

all. 
Thou earnest to be more like and like to Him. 
So true, so patient and so gentle thou, 
I count it, as a signal favor given, 
That I can call thee mine; I who am left 
A broken reed, since I no longer have 
The shelter of thy strong protecting arm. 



i6 EASTER. 

'Tis sweet to know, "that thou lovfist me still, 
For naught can ever break the cords, that bind 
Such love as mine and thine; 

And when the bands 
That hold my soul to earth are riven, 
I think the bliss of seeing thee will make 
These lonely hours of mine, seem but 
A troubled dream ; so now I only ask 
That ere I go, some souls may be redeemed 
For whom both thou and I have wrought and 
prayed. 



EASTER. 



O EASTER morn! Glad Easter morn, 
What glorious hopes to day are born 
For those who sit in deepest gloom, 
Beneath the shadow of a tomb? 

O Easter morn! when Christ arose 
Triumphant o'er the last of foes, 
An angel sat upon the stone. 
To tell his friends where He had gone. 



YONDERLAND. 17 

O Easter morn! is there e'en now 
An angel form with radiant brow, 
Sitting beside our buried hopes, 
Pointing away to sunnier slopes, 

Where sorrows change to sweetest joys, 
Where earthy touch no longer cloys, 
Where briar turns to fragrant rose. 
And crystal stream through desert flows I 

This is the message which I bring 
To all thy eager questioning, 
Christ thy Lord has risen indeed. 
And He thy cause will strongly plead. 

His angels clad in glory bright, 
Will change today, thy darkest night. 
What seemed to thee a spectre grim 
Will angel prove, through light from Him. 

Though in affliction's furnace tried 
Thou shalt at last be purified. 
On resurrection-wings arise. 
To dwell with Him in Paradise. 



i8 OUR MOTHER. 



OUR MOTHER. 

Her children arise and call her blessed 
Proverbs, 31:28. 

Sweet mother! we thy children set our seal 
These words are true, thy friends and ours have 

said. 
And yet, the tithe has not been told of all 
Thy 4)recious worth, thy gentle, loving ways, 
Thy thoughtful care, and sweet forgetfulness 
Of self, thy open-handed charity, 
Thy gentle patience, sweet submission 
To thy Father's will, however hard his hand 
Hath pressed thy tender soul. 

Mother beloved! 

We could not know how lone this earth would 

be 
Without thy saintly presence, and thy smile 
Of love and sympathy, without thy counsels 
Ever safe and wise. We could not bear our 

grief 
If thou in yon lone graveyard lay. We know 
Thou art not dead, but in the Paradise 
Of God doth dwell with sainted loved ones, who 
Have waited long to place on thy dear head 
The starlight crown the Savior grants to all 



YONDERLAND. 19 

Who brig^htly shine, and thus light other souls 

to Him. 
We see thy beckoning hands, and we will strive 
To walk the upward way, until our feet 
Shall touch the "shining shore," our voices join 
With thine in alleluias evermore. 



THANKSGIVING. 

WE thank Thee, Lord! for all thy gifts, 

So rich, so full, and free, 
For love and life, for blooming flower. 

For bird and leafy tree. 

We thank Thee, Lord! that Thou hast given 

To earth, thy sun and rain. 
That all our granaries are filled, 

With ripened golden grain. 

We thank Thee, Lord! for gift of friends. 
For friends, who with Thee dwell, 

For what they are, and were to us, 

Our hearts with praises well. 



20 THANKSGIVING. 

We thank Thee Lord! that when sore grief, 
And trials have oppressed. 

Our hearts have listened to thy voice: 
"Come unto me and rest," 



We praise Thee Lord! that when our feet 
In wayward paths would stray, 

Thy pitying love hath wooed us back, 
Into the holier way. 



We praise Thee, Lord ! that 'neath thy wings, 

We may securely bide. 
Though enemies may lurk around, 

No evil shall betide. 



We praise Thee, Lord! that we may know 

Of thy unmeasured love, 
That Thou didn't come on earth to dwell, 

That we might live above. 

We praise Thee, Lord! but cannot speak 

The gratitude we feel, 
We only ask, that we by grace, 

Thy likeness may reveal. 



YONDERLAND. 21 



ABBA FATHER. 

AB'BA, Father! loving Father! 

Bid our breaking hearts be still! 
In this hour of deepest anguish, 

May we love thy righteous will. 

Thou did'st bid us, Abba, Father, 

Place our treasure in thy care. 

Now with trembling hands we bring it 
Weeping, Lord, we leave it there. 

Thou hast said O Abba, Father! 

That where'er our treasures be 
There our hearts will find their h|av en. 

Ours henceforth shall be with Thee. 

And we praise Thee, Abba, Father, 

That amid the undefiled. 
In thy Httle children's garden 

Plays our own, our angel child. 



OUR MISSION. 

SINCE we cannot cross the ocean 
To a far ofT pagan shore, 

There to take the glorious gospel 

To the strange Zenana's door. 



22 OUR MISSION. 

What then can we do for Jesus? 

We can bring our love to Him, 
Love so true, so pure, so lasting 

That all time shall never dim. 

We can bring to Him our treasures 

Some indeed 'twere hard to give, 

Did not grateful hearts remember, 

What he gave that they might live. 

We can bring our prayers to Jesus, 

Prayers for those who know Him not, 

Prayers for those in heathen darkness 
By his blood so dearly bought. 

X 

Then when earthly prayers are ended. 

And we reach yon heaven, so sweet 

To us waiting, will be given 

Crowns with jewels all replete. 

And if we should trembling whisper, 

"Lord this crown is not for me, 

It must surely be for that one. 

Who has done great things for Thee." 

Then our loving Lord will answer: 

"Child, these w'ondrous jewels bright 

Are the souls of those benighted, 

Wrapped in saddest, darkest night. 



YONDERLAND. 23 

"But thy prayers came up before me 

And I saw thy many tears, 
Now as stars, for thy rejoicing, 

They shall shine through endless years." 



THE NAME OF JESUS. 

IS your soul aweary of sin? 
Would you the blest Christ-life begin? 
Would you perfect peace have within? 
Then just whisper, Jesus, Jesus. 

Alone do you travel life's road? 
Are there none to lighten your load? 
Do trials o'erwhelm like a flood? 
Then just whisper, Jesus, Jesus. 

With blinding pain do'iw* lie low. 
Seeking relief none can bestow? 
He holds a balm for every woe, 
Then just whisper, Jesus, Jesus. 

Are you waiting, watching in vain 
For loved ones, who come not again? 
List to your angels' sweet refrain. 
As they sing of Jesus, Jesus. 



24 A PICTURE. 

When your cup of joy runneth o'er, 
Then out of your bountiful store 
Remember the sad at your door, 
O tell them of Jesus, Jesus. 

Then to your heart will come no fear 
As "earth recedes" and heaven draws near, 
Then, oh then, with joy you shall hear 
The whisper of Jesus, Jesus. 



A PICTURE. 

IN yonder cottage by the river, 
Where the silvery aspens quiver, 
Dwelt a sweet and radiant maiden. 
Rich with gifts by heaven laden, 
Flitting through the fleeting hours, 
With singing birds, and lovely flowers, 
Banishing all thoughts of sadness. 
With her merry songs of gladness. 



YONDERLAND. 25 

Her fond parents watched her growing, 
In those things well worth the knowing, 
Saying: "She of noon-tide is our sunlight, 
She will be our joy at twilight, 
Nothing ill shall e'er betide us, 
While our darling walks beside us." 
Never dreaming that her graces 
Made her meet for heavenly places. 
Never dreaming one was coming, 
In the early evening gloaming. 
Who would bear her soul immortal, 
Through death's dim and shadowy portal. 
Far beyond their earthly vision. 
To the blessed fields Elysian. 



Now they sit alone and ponder. 
Saying: "This is home no longer, 
Home is not the things are in it. 
But the feet that tread within it. 
Now she roams in pastures vernal, 
Where are scenes of light supernal. 
Where heaven's arches high are ringing, 
With songs angelic choirs are singing. 
Lilting that celestial chorus, 
Happy now, she waiteth for us. 



26 WITH CHRIST. 

"Soon we'll cross the river dreary, 
Pass that portal, where the weary 
Cease from toil, and sin so-staining, 
To the rest for them remaining, 
To the clasping and the meeting, 
To the welcome and the greeting. 
To that realm, where none are parted, 
And where dwell no broken-hearted; 
Where they bow in adoration. 
The redeemed of every nation. 
Praise to Him in sweet tones blending. 
Who hath given them bliss unending." 



WITH CHRIST. 

PAIN'S fiery furnace all aglow 
Before me stands. 

But He will walk beside me there 
With nail-scarred hands, 

O tearful grief! O sobbing grief! 

Angel art thou. 
To show my breaking heart the Christ 

With thorn-crowned brow. 



YONDERLAND. 27 

f 

Should friends I love unfaithful prove, 

And foes deride. 
Still I can smile, since I may touch 

His spear-pierced side. 

Let pain and tears and cruel foe 

Be multiplied, 
All change to joys, if I with Christ 

Am crucified. 



LIFE IS LIFE. 

ONE whom I love, wished I might live 
Hundreds of years anew. 

Another knowing all my grief, 

Prayed that my years be few; 

My friend made answer, "Life is life 

What matter where 'tis given, 

Some flowers will bloom by every track 

That surely leads to Heaven." 



OUR ANGEL BOY. 



HUSH! tread softly in this sacred place. 
For we have come to pay our homage now 



28 OUR ANGEL BOY. 

Before our sainted shrine, yet nearer bear 

The taper, to the cradle-bed, where lies 

Our heart's idol. Gently lift the snowy 

Fabric fit emblem of the purity 

And innocence of the fair slumberer 

Concealed beneath its dainty folds. 

And now behold the same sweet imagery 

That oft before has met our gaze, as we 

Have worshipped at this our frail heart's altar. 

But where is that, sweet smile, which hitherto 

Has greeted us? 

And those blue eyes so like 
His sainted mothers? 

Are they evermore 
To be concealed, beneath those curt'ning lids? 
Those eyes that plead with so much eloquence, 
For what he had not power to ask in words. 
And has the baby prattle, which so oft 
Has made us quite forget the petty griefs, 
And trials of the day, and charmed us e'en 
To tears, O has it ceased forever? 
Say, has the angel bearing death sealed these 
Colorless lips, with his cold icy touch? 
And shall the tiny dimpled hand ne'er toss 
Again those fairy kisses to each loved 
One, as in days of yore 'twas wont to do? 



YONDERLAND. 29 

No answer to these eager questionings, 

That come from bursting, bleeding hearts is 

heard, 
All, all is silent, for before* us lies 
Naught but the beauteous casket, the jewel 

bright 
Has gone from us to add new lustre 
To the diadem that decks the Savior's brow. 



We did not see the angel form, that came 
To bear our darling hence, but to our hearts 
There comes a secret whisper, telHng us 
It was the same pure gentle spirit 
Which in bygone hours, when clad in robe 
Of earthliness, has joyous trod with us 
These very rooms and halls, and by her words 
Of love and sympathy, has smoothed the path 
Of many weary, fainting wanderers, 
And if a few brief years, has answered well 
Life's end, winning a many-jewelled crown. 
Yet now our mother-earth impatient waits, 
To clasp within her long embrace, this clay 
So beautifully formed, this silken hair, 
This manly brow, that oft we gazed upon 
So proudly, and in our minds had pictured 
So noble vv'hen he should become a man. 



30 OUR FATHER. 

Oh, Father grant in this sad hour thine aid, 
And henceforth, so direct our thoughts that we 
May lay our offerings on no earthly shrine, 
But may our hearts %£ pure, deep devotion rise 
As grateful incense, to thy throne on high; 
And when in coming years, we shall recall 
The scenes, that cluster round the few short 

months^ 
Of his unsullied life, we'll look upon 
Each little toy, the tiny half-worn shoe. 
Then raise cur tear-dimmed eyes toward heaven 
And thank Thee Father, that "Thou mad'st us 
Know how fair thine earth could be, and taught 

us 
Love, and in life's tapestry of care 
A golden figure wove." 



OUR FATHER. 

A CHILD of our Father! 

O why should I fear. 
Be watching for trials. 

That may not appear? 
Since no ill can befall 

Those whom He holds dear. 



YONDERLAND. 31 

A child of our Father! 

Who loves to the end, 
In the hour of need 

His mercy doth lend, 
In the hour of grief 

The Comforter send. 

A child of our Father ! 

Who seeketh to win 
My swift wandering- feet, 

From byways of sin, 
And for all my unrest 

Give sweet peace within. 

A child of our Father! 

O why should I eat 
Of the soul-starving husk. 

Since He grants me a seat 
At his bountiful table? 

O tidings most sweet! 

The child of my Father! 

My heart lists thy call, 
In deepest contrition 

Before Thee I fall, 
O be Thou forever 

My all, yea my all. 



32 / KNOW. 



I KNOW. 

I READ in thine own word, dear Lord, 
That, thoug^h oppressed by cruel foe, 
Thy sheltering arms would be my shield; 
And I believed, but did not know. 

That though the path, thy will had planned, 
Should lead me, where dark waters flow. 
Thy peerless Son would walk with me; 
This I believed, but did not know. 

Time flew apace, and loved ones came, 
Making my home a heaven below; 
A very gleam of Paradise; 

Still I believed, but did not know. 



At last there dawned a day 
When through a fiery furnace, I must go, 
O there, my Christ, I saw thy face, 
And now I praise Thee, that I know. 



YONDERLAND. 33 

THE MOTHER. 

SAY not: — "She is dead!" the mother beloved, 
But rather say this, "She has gone up above 
To that beautiful city, whose streets 
Are of gold, and its walls are of jasper, 
Where no night ever comes, neither sickness, 
Nor sorrow, nor partings, which here on earth 
Break our hearts, with the weight of their 

burden. 
Where they hunger no more, for the fair tree 
Of life, ever bendeth with fruitage delicious, 
Neither thirst, for the water of life clear asC>. 
Crystal, from the throne of God ever floweth." 
Say, "She lives in the mansions glorious 
Prepared long ago by Jesus most precious." 



On the arm of her Beloved, the shadowy 
Valley, with willing feet she trod safely. 
Think of the greeting at the gates pearly, 
From all the dear ones, who have passed on 
Before her, and more, yea more than all others 
The Saviour's glad welcome, "Well done, my 
sister." 



34 TRUSTING. 



Let not tears of sorrow, fall for your loved one 
Since unendin^s^ joy, is henceforth her portion. 
But, if unbidden the tear-drops are flowino^ 
Let them fall, for the memory blessed 
Of the life so pure, so precious, so stainless. 
And thank our All-Father, that it is yours, 
To call her "my mother," and that some day. 
She shall clasp you again to her bosom, 
And vou shall be with her forever and ever. 



TRUSTING. 

IN the "Book of books" our Father 

Are the blessed words, 
Jesus said to his disciples 

Of thy care of birds. 

That the little wounded sparrow 

Which we oft despise, 
Ne'er escapes the tender notice 

Of thy watchful eyes. 

Since thy gracious, sweet compassion 

Notes the birdling's fall. 
Sure on Thee, thy loving children 

Cannot vainlv call. 



YONDERLAND. 35 

Though, through thick, and thorny 
brambles 

Oft our path may be, 
Still it is the nearest, safest 

Wav to heav'n and Thee. 



For Thou dost give thine "angels 
charge" 

Over all our ways. 
And in their hands, they bear us up, 

Through our earthly days. 



So we praise Thee, Abba, Father, 
For thy precious words, 

Giving us the blest assurance 
Of thv care for birds. 



NOT DEAD. 

THEY are not dead! our loved ones gone, 
Only away in Yonderland; 
Their barques have reached that blessed shore, 
Their feet have pressed its shining sand. 



36 NOT DEAD. 



Safely they rest in our Father's house, 
In their heavenly mansions fair, 
Learning now, what they longed to know, 
The glory it is, "to be there." 



Chanting are they the glad "new song," 
Song the redeemed only may sing, 
Of "blessing and honor" and praise, 
To Christ their Saviour and King. 

On errands of love they often come 
To hearts bearing sorrow untold, 
And out of their darkness and gloom, 
The pathway of light they unfold. 

By the crystal stream, they often roam 

And talk of their joys, not of fears. 

Of the blissful time, when with them 

We shall dwell through the endless years. 

No. no, not dead! our loved ones gone; 

Only away in Yonderland, 

Sweet, Oh sweet will the meeting be. 

When our barques shall touch its golden strand. 



YONDERLAND. 37 

PRAISE. 

WE thank Thee, g-racious Lord, for pain. 

Since we should never know 
The rest of "everlasting^ arms" 

Did we not suffer so. 

We thank Thee, blessed Lord, for grief 

Since he becomes joint-heir 
With Thee, the "Man of Sorrows" 

Who in thy grief hath share. 



ANNIVERSARY HYMN. 

TO Thee our Lord and King, 
This day our hearts would bring 

Tribute of praise. 
For many an answered prayer. 
For strength to burdens bear, 
For Thy protecting care 

Through all our days. 

For heavenly mansions fair, 
Holding our treasures rare. 

Our home above; 
For loved ones glorified. 
For thine own word to guide, 
For Christ, the Crucified, 

We bring our love. 



38 SERVICE. 

That each Thy work may share, 
With Christ become ioint-heir, 

Praise we thy name. 
With Him to suffer pain. 
To count by loss our gain, 
Lift sorrow's sad refrain. 

Thus heirship claim. 



For those who count not dear 
Their lives, that men may hear 

Of Thy dear name. 
We bring Thee praise, and pray 
That soon will dawn the day 
When all shall own thy sway, 

Thy love proclaim. 



SERVICE. 



I MAY not know 
How great the tasks Thou hast for me to do, 

I only ask, 
That I mav win some souls to life anew. 



YONDERLAND. 39 

I may not know 
How smooth, or rough, the steeps I have to 
cHmb ; 

I only ask, 
That, I may aid someone to heights subUme. 

I may not know 
What depths of grief, it may be mine to bear, 

I only ask. 
For power divine, a brother's woe to share. 

I may not know 
How strong and fierce the foes, that round me 
rove. 

I only ask. 
That grace be mine, to conquer them with love. 

I may not know 
When I shall sail on Death's resistless tide; 

I only ask. 
That Thou wilt be my Helper and my Guide. 

Then I may know, 
That I shall reach yon heavenly place, 

I only ask, 
That I may greet my loved ones face to face. 



40 A PRAYER. 



A PRAYER. 

"FORBID O Lord! that we should ever pray 
"Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth" 
And bear, but little share in ushering in 
That glorious day, when every knee shall bow, 
And every tongue confess, that Thou, and Thou 
Alone, are Christ, Our Father help us, that 
We lay our time and talents, and our iiJ*«e/»»^*S 
Upon thine altar, the gifts of grateful. 
Loving hearts, and with them, may our earnest 
Prayers ascend, that Thou wilt multiply 
Our offerings, with thine own touch divine, 
As once, Thou dids't of old, the barley loaves 
And fishes small, until the multitude 
Were fed, we are so weak and blind, O Lord, 
Like children playing in dark valleys, 
When they might breathe the purer mountain air 
Come by thy Spirit's might we pray, and break 
These earth-forged chains that bind faith's wings, 

that we 
May henceforth upward fly. Open our blind eyes 
That we may see how we may help some lost one 
To thy heaven, and Thee, a garnered sheaf from 
Earthly harvest field, a glory to thy name. 
Through all the ceaseless ages of eternity, 
And thine shall all the praises be. 



YONDERLAND. 41 

ANGEL OF DEATH. 

"THE King of Terrors," I have heard 
Thee called, O Angel Death! not thus 
I speak thy name, since my dear Lord 
Has burst the tomb, and conquered thee, 
Angel of Light art thou, to do 
His will, and at his high behest 
Dost break the bonds, that bind our souls 
To earth, that on unfettered wing. 
They may fare forth to that fair land 
For which they long have striven. 



SHADRACH, MESHACH, AND ABEDNEGO. 

I SEE the Hebrew captives three. 
Kneeling with faces turned toward 
The Holy city. 

Now I hear them 
Pleading, with earnest words, like these: — 
"O, Thou, who art our father's God, 
Who hast so kindly dealt with us 
Through all these years, that we have dwelt 
As strangers, in a lonely land, 
Remember us in our great grief, 
Deliver us! O, Lord we pray. 
Let us not die by heathen hands." 



42 SHADRACH, MESHACH, ETC. 

Again, I see them firmly stand 
Before the king; I hear them thus 
Make answer to his stern decree: — 
"We will not bow before thy gods. 
Nor worship the great image, thou 
Hast caused to be set up. 

Our God 
Is able to deliver us 
From out thy hand, if so it be 
His will divine, if not, 'tis well." 



Anon. I see them once again, 

Thrust by the fury of the king, 

Into a seven times heated flame; 

But, Oh! what wondrous sight, it fills 

My soul with awe, and thrilling joy; 

For lo! beside them walks the Christ. 

O, happy, yea thrice happy three! 

For his dear hand's unloose their bonds. 

And they have walked beside their Lord, 

And from the fiery furnace, have come forth 

Purged from their dross, and made more meet 

For Christlike service. 



YONDERLAND. 43 

Captive ones! 
Through all the ages past there comes 
To me your story, bringing joy 
And comfort to my waiting heart, 
Since He who trod the furnace heat 
With you, now watches o'er my wa}-; 
Cheered with this thought, anew I gird 
My armor for life's hourly strife, 
Assured that, though the furnace be 
Seven times more heated than its wont. 
Unhurt, I shall come forth, since Christ, 
My Christ, will lead me safely through, 
Aye more, tried as with fire, and proven 
Fit for his sweet service, I may 
Go forth to work for Him, and if 
By patient toil, and thoughtful care, 
In lowly cot, or garret drear, 
I find His image, e'en though dim. 
With grateful heart, I'll humbly say, 
I, too, have seen my Lord today. 



A NEW YEAR'S WISH. 

WHAT shall I wish for thee, my friend, 

At dawning of the year? 
1 would that I might please thee well. 

Thou art, to me, so dear. 



44 A LESSON. 



If I should wish 'twere ever thine 

To pluck the thornless rose, 
Then thou would'st miss the joy divine, 

To soothe another's woes. 

If I should wish, that God might grant 
No tears thine eyes should dim. 

Thou would'st not see the rainbow tints. 
Through light, which comes from Him. 

So this my daily prayer shall be. 
That unto thee be given, ^ 

Such paths to tread, be rough or smoth, 
As keep thee nearest heaven. 



A LESSON. 

THE valley glistened in the sun. 
Her grassy spears were jewelled-spun, 
Her fragrant violets bore the trace 
Of twilight kisses on each face. 

Her tiny streamlet onward sped, 
Singing along its pebbly bed; 
"O," sang the valley, "It is bliss 
To live in joyous world Hke this!" 



YONDERLAND. 45 



But ere his daily course was run, 
Dark clouds had veiled from sig'ht the sun, 
And all the distant fields of heaven 
Were lightning-flashed and thunder-riven; 

Soon torrents o'er the valley pour, 
Morn found no trace of all her store, 
The verdant leaf and flowers bright. 
Had passed in darkness of the night. 

The valley saw with grief forlorn. 
Her treasures from her bosom torn. 
With breaking heart, she sobbing said: — 
"My joy forevermore has fled." 



Time flew apace! Heaven birdlings sent 
To scatter seeds, on bosom rent, 
Gave shining sun and gentle rain. 
And blossoms sweet, for all her pain. 



O Lord of life! O Lord of love! 
My treasures are with Thee above. 
For all I meet, while here below. 
In my torn heart let flowers grow. 



46 MY SHEPHERD. 



MY SHEPHERD. 

THE night is dark why did I stray 
So far from yonder fold away? 
Kind Shepherd lead me back I pray; 
Good Shepherd come for me. 

Fierce blows the wind across the wold, 
The night is dark and chill and cold, 
Kind Shepherd lead me to thy fold; 
Good Shepherd come for me. 

The night is dark! I hear the cry 
Of howling- wolves, it cometh nigh, 
O leave me not alone to die, 

Dear Shepherd come for me. 

The night is dark! O list I hear 
My Shepherd's voice in accents clear 
"My wand'ring lamb no longer fear, 

Thy Shepherd comes for thee," 

Safe in the fold, no more to rove! 
My Shepherd left his home above 
To rescue me, O wondrous love! 
My Shepherd came for me. 



YONDERLAND. 47 

BLESSED ARE THEY THAT MOURN. 

"BLESSEl^ are they that mourn" — 

For they shall comfort find; 
These words to me were borne 

While I, with gjrief, was blind. 

How could I blessed be. 

When I alone was left 
Of our once happy three? 

So g"reat was I bereft! 

Yet every day I prayed; — 

"Lord bless each mourning soul. 

On Thee may they be stayed, 
Make broken spirits whole." 

One day, I sang a note 

That from my heart was pressed, 
Note from sad singer's throat. 

Which soothed a troubled breast. 

Then came the promise true. 

Which T had often read, 
Revealed by light anew, 

"They shall be comforted." 



48 OUR CARE-TAKER. 

OUR CARE-TAKER. 

SHALL He who feed's his flocks 

Upon a thousand hills. 
And brings them drink, to quench their thirst, 

From myriad sin.s^ing^ rills; 
Aye, gives to every springing flower, 

Its need of sun and rain; 
Nor fails to note the sparrow's fall. 

Nor raven cries in vain, 
Let his own children's faintest sigh. 

Escape his waiting ear? 
O doubting heart! forevermore 

Dismiss thy faithless fear. 



I SHALL SEE HIM. 

Num. 24:17. 
"I SHALL see Him, but not now—" 
He who wept on Olive's brow, 
Still has fields for me to plough. 

I shall see Him! not today. 

Yet a litle while I stav 

Here to work, and watch, and pray. 



YONDERLAND, 49 

I shall see Him ! but not yet, 

Till my sun of life is set, 

Till I've learned heaven's alphabet. 

When night's mantle is withdrawn 
From th' immortal day's bright morn, 
And its light shall on me dawn 

I shall see Him, face to face, 
And in yon celestial place, 
Ever sing redeeming grace. 



ALONE WITH GOD. 

ALONE with God! how sweet to feel 
As in his presence here I kneel, 
I have no wounds. He cannot heal. 

Alone with God! He only knows 
How sore my grief, how deep my woes, 
Yet with his love my cup o'erflows. 

Alone with God ! He does not chide, 
When I my faults to Him confide, 
But draws me closer to his side. 



50 NOW I LAY ME. 

Alone with God! supremely blest, 
Leaning my head upon his breast, 
Who bids me come to Him and rest 

Alone with God! O blest retreat! 
O holy tryst! O bliss complete! 
As here I hold communion sweet. 

Alone with God! ne'er let me stray 
From thy dear presence Lord away, 
Keep Thou my feet through endless day. 



NOW I LAY ME. 

"NOW I lay me down to sleep" — 
Without the least alarm. 

Lest Thou should'st fail to keep 
My soul from touch of harm. 

Throug'h all my passing days. 
Thy kind and gentle hand 

Hath led, in all my ways. 
Whether by sea, or land. 



YONDERLAND. 51 

Whether by waters still, 

Or in green pastures fair, 
Oftimes o'er rugged hill. 

But always, Thou wert there. 

What boots it then, which road 

I take at morning light, 
Or where, I drop my load 

At coming of the night? 

Whether on mountain side, 

Or on some desert drear? 
Contented I abide. 

Since Thou, My Lord, art near. 

And when at last, I close 

My weary eyes in sleep. 
In death's embrace repose, 

Thou Lord My soul wilt keep. 



THE CLAY ARTIST. 



WITH willing hand the artist wrought 
Through many a livelong day. 

Seeking, the image in his soul 
To stamp upon the clay. 



52 THE CLAY ARTIST. 



Year after year he patient toiled. 
Nor yet his task was done, 

Nor yielded he, to thought of rest 
Until his goal was won. 

His heart kept saying o'er and o'er, 

"The Man of Gallilee!" 
His burning wish, that he might give 

The world. His face to see. 

Thus often to himself he spoke, 

As to his task he trod; — 
"O, would I might reveal a son 

Of man, yet son of God!" 

The years still hastened on apace, 

His courage faltered not 
The holy vision in his soul 

His every fibre fraught. 

At last there dawned a wondrous day, 
When glory filled the place 

In which he wrought, his final touch 
Disclosed a Christly face. 

When sun had set 'twas bitter cold. 
His hearth with fire burned low, 

Yet kenned he naught of wintry blast, 
His soul was all aglow. 



YONDERLAND. 53 



But in the watches of the niefht 

Bethoug:ht him of his love, 
Seizing a blanket from his cot 

Around the figure wove. 

Yet fiercer blew the howling wind, 

And rising from his bed, 
His other blanket took, and wrapped 

About the figures' head. 

Nor dreamed he of his sacrifice, 
That his worn frame was chilled, 

This only thought, to save for men 
The Christ, his bosom filled. 

When morning dawned a neighbor came, 
And found two forms of clay. 

And both were radiant with the light 
Of heaven's eternal day. 



MY TREASURE. 

THERE'S a cap in my drawer, 
Made with plainest of lace. 

Of very slight value. 

If you ne'er saw the face, 

That once shone beneath it 
With saintliest grace. 



54 MY TREASURE. 

If her blue eyes so tender, 
Ne'er looked in your own, 

And soug^ht there to find 
Some deep hidden moan; 

Some secret of pain. 
To others unknown. 

If her dear voice so g^entle, 
Ne'er fell on your ears 

With assurance most sweet, 
Dispelling your fears, 

And her own precious lips. 
Ne'er kissed away tears. 

But if your own mother, 
Had worn it one day. 

And then from your sight 
Had gone far away, 

O, then you would treasure it 
For aye, and for aye. 

A crown jewel-studded 
You would not so prize. 

You reverently touch it, 
Tears blind your eyes 

You long for your angel 
In yon Paradise. 



YONDERLAND. 55 



SNOW. 

BEAUTIFUL crystals! snowy white! 

Diamonds sparkling in the light, 

Wonderful Maker! to form them so, 

Like stars above, and gems below, 

Downward flitting^hrough the air, 

Cov'ring the earth, with mantle fair, 

Veiling from sight, unlovely things, 

Making them white as angels' wings; 

Beautiful gift! to each waiting heart 

Visions of truth, thou dost impart. 

Wonderful truth ! which makes us know 

How sin-stained souls, may be white as snow. 



A GOLDEN WEDDING. 

WE'VE gathered in your home, loved friends, 

To bring you happy greeting. 
Your clan has heard the bugle call 

That fast the time is fleeting. 

We look upon your silvered hair. 

And as we gaze, we wonder. 
What pictured scene, when parson said, 

"Let not man put asunder," 



56 A GOLDEN WEDDING. 

We query, if the bride wore white, 
And the groom a cut-a-way, 

If strains of wedding-march were heard, 
Just fifty years tod ay. 

If you went on a wedding-trip, 
Across the country sleighing, 

If youngsters threw old shoes and rice, 
Tricks they today are playing. 

The fifty years, since then, dear friends, 
Are filled with generous giving; 

No needy one e'er came for aid, 
Who has not shared your living. 

And many a one, who looked on life 
As rugged, rough and dreary, 

Beneath your roof has taken heart, 
You were so brave and cheery. 

Surely no soul has lived for naught, 
Who thus has lightened labor. 

And girded up for daily toil, 
His wearv-hearted neighbor. 

And though we often fail to note 
Because of human blindness, 

Yet, He who marks the sparrow's fall, 
Keeps record of each kindness. 



YONDERLAND. 57 



And in His book of loving deeds, 

A cup of water given, 
Will write the giver, with the host, 

Who in His name have striven. 

Thrice blessed! they, who thus have wrought 

So many years together. 
Heart knit to heart, though days were fraught 

With dark and stormy weather. 

Aye, let it come with blow on blow, 

Nothing this bond can sever, 
All else may perish here below, 

But love lives on forever. 

Oh, how they look! those fifty years 

Beheld through future vision. 
Now full of hope, now full of fears. 

Not always fields elysian. 

Ah, fifty years! how short they seem, 

When we are backward viewing, 
O, vanished forms! O faded dreams 

Our eyes with tears bedewing. 

These fifty years of yours O friends. 
Have brought more joy than sorrow, 

And He who kindly mercy lends. 

Will shield from harm your morrow. 



58 MY HOME. 



May God whose ever watchful eye 
Kens glint and shadow of life's story, 

Grant you in his blest home above, 
A golden crown of glory. 



MY HOME. 

FRIENDS bid me dwell beneath their roof. 

No longer restless roam. 
I thank the Lord for friendship's proof; 

But this is not my home. 

Love never tires, but patient strives 

My lonely heart to cheer. 
Bids me forget my growing loss; 

But home can ne'er be here. 

Familiar things, and faces dear 

That once adorned my room, 
On every hand, are round me here 

Yet this is not my home. 

My home is where those blest ones walk, 

Who once to me were given! 
Their feet now tread th' immortal shores. 

Henceforth my home is heaven. 



YONDERLAND. 59 

FOURTEEN YEARS. 

JUST fourteen years today, my love, 

Since thou and I were wed! 
Years brimming o'er with blessedness 

Like passing dreams have fled. 

That fair October morn, my heart 

With questionings was rife, 
Since none can e'er recross the bridge 

Twixt maidenhood and wife. 

I did not dream, the wealth of love 

Dwelt in the gift divine, 
Which from my Father's hand there came, 

When first I called thee mine. 

But now, I ofifer grateful praise. 

For what thou art to me. 
For all thy patient, loving ways, 

Thy gentle courtesy. 

Rich blessings without wings, my love, 

Have fallen on our track; 
Of faithful friends, of needful things 

We ne'er have found a lack. 



6o LULLABY. 

We've had our trials too, my love, 

Yet not too great to bear, 
Since it has been our growing^ joy 

To lift the other's share. 

Please God, we'll travel on, dear love. 
Nor let our faith grow dim, 

Then when our feet have weary grown. 
Together go to Him. 



LULLABY. 

STARS shine east, and stars shine west, 

For the one I love the best! 

Glowing lanterns lifted high 

Light the darkness of the sky. 

Strange that they through cloud-land peep 

Just as baby goes to sleep; 

When the birdies in their nest 

Fold their little wings to rest. 

And the downy chickie clings 

Close beneath his mama's wings, 

And the pretty buttercup 

Shuts its golden petals up! 

Now my precious close thine eyes 

List to mama's lullabies. 



YONDERLAND. 6i 



Sleep my darling sleep ! 

May the blessed an.e^els keep 
Watch above thy slumber deep! 

Lullaby! lullaby! 

Keep thee ever pure and sweet, 
Make smooth paths for tender feet! 

As the coming years shall fleet; 
Lullaby! lullaby! 

Sometime kiss thy weary eyes, 
Bear thee gently through the skies, 

To yon fields of Paradise. 
Lullaby! lullaby! 



ONE DAY EACH YEAR. 

ONE day each year in childhood's time 
I thought was well worth living, 

When uncles, aunts, and cousins went 
To "grandpa's" for Thanksgiving. 

It seemed to me the longest time, 

Before the words were said, 
"Now let the children come," for then. 

The elders first were fed. 



62 ONE DAY EACH YEAR. 



O what a feast there was of nuts, 

So dear to children's hearts, 
Of chicken-pie and turkey. 

Of puddings, pies and tarts. 

But best of all was grandpapa, 

With hair so silvery white. 
Who in our merry, merry games. 

Took genuine delight. 

The dear old man! I see him yet, 

With sweet and gentle mien, 
And heart as pure, as ever yet 

To mortal given I ween. 

So ripe indeed, was he for heaven, 

One day he slipped away, 
And though our hearts with grief were riven, 

We could not bid him stay. 

And one by one we've followed him, 

Until there now are more 
Dwelling with him in yonderland. 

Than on the hither shore. 

We praise the Lord that they are safe, 

And we, who here are living, 
May sometime go to them, and keep 

Perpetual Thanksgiving. 



YONDERLAND. 63 

THE EIGHTY-NINTH BIRTHDAY. 

WHAT message shall I send to thee? 

What welcome wreath entwine, 
For one who's touched the mountain notch 

Of fourscore years and nine? 

How many years have rolled away, 

Since by Divine behest, 
Thou camest to my childhood's home 

A truly welcomed guest. 

In those past days, we children thought 

It an eventful day. 
When 'neath the shelter of our roof. 

Our preacher came to stay. 

Now this request, I have to make, 

That thou wilt not be vexed, 
When I confess, of sermons thine, 

I only know one text. 

-,,i*'!a? 

That verse, in Nehemiah found. 

Reads thus "Arise and build." 
And then in all the peoples' hearts 

New courage was instilled. 



64 THE EIGHTY-NINTH BIRTHDAY. 

So they quickly went to work, 

The "pulpit" was torn out. 
That dear old desk! I see it yet, 

It wasn't half worn out. 



It seemed the proper thing to do, 

(If I could have my way. 
Back to the same old place 'twould go. 

Before another day.) 

About the rest, I'm not so sure, 

But fancy all was right, 
I know they dedicated it, 

And there was great delight. 

Through passing years thou'st watched that 
plant. 

And joyed to see it grow. 
But of the flock that thou didst feed 

Just fifty years ago 

The larger part have crossed the stream, 

To yonder mansions fair. 
With faith's clear eye, we catch a gleam 

Of loved one's gathered there. 



YONDERLAND. 65 

Thou'st stood beside their dying beds, 
And brought them words of cheer, 

Then, with the loved ones, so bereft. 
Hast dropped the heartfelt tear. 



Among that band 'twas thine, to find 

The partner of thy life, 
And, often thou hast praised the Lord, 

That thou could'st call her wife. 



Rich gifts are thine, from Heavenly hand, 

For stalwart sons arise. 
To call thee blessed, day by day, 

While near, the western skies. 



As when the sun by darkened earth. 

Is hidden from our sight, 
Though, where he dwells in yonder skies, 

There is no gloomy night. 

So when thy sun of life, has set 

On earthly-given way, 
It shall be thine, to dwell in light 

Of Heaven's Celestial day. 



66 BIRTHDAY THOUGHTS. 

BIRTHDAY THOUGHTS. 

ANOTHER cycle finds its end, 
What has it brought to thee, O, friend? 
What is the record of thy year 
Of pleasures sweet, or sorrow's tear? 
Hast made thyself a willing gift 
That other souls thou might'st uplift? 
With others' joys hast thou had share? 
Has it been thine, sore grief to bear? 
For pleasure thou hast offered praise, 
Could'st thou for grief thanksgiving raise? 
Or have thy tears so blinded thee, 
Thy Father's face thou could'st not see? 
Some blessed day thou'lt understand 
He led thee with a gracious hand. 
How sweet it then will be to know 
That thy "dear Lord hath led thee so." 
Then trust to Him thy coming years, 
Mar not thy peace with faithless fears; 
He walked "before" to GaHlee 
But now He ever walks with thee. 



YONDERLAND. 67 



MEMORIES. 

IN memory's crypt, a picture lies 

Of my Goldilocks, 
Sitting on the nursery floor, 

Playimg with her blocks, 

Or creeping up to close my book, 

When I tried to read. 
Lest all her winsome little ways, 

I should fail to heed. 

Then "mama" was the only word 
Her baby lips could say. 

And ere another she had learned, 
I was called away. 

Every live-long day, seemed passing 

With a^Taggard pace, 
While the mother-heart was pining 

For my darling's face. 

Dreaming of it in the night-time. 

Longing so to learn. 
If my little one would know me 

When I should return. 



68 MEMORIES. 



Weary hours at length were ended, 

Welcomed thrice the day. 
When my eager footsteps wended 

The long- homeward way. 

When I crossed the well-known threshold, 

On my waiting ear 
Fell music, her divinest note, 

"Mama, mama here." 



Then she heard her Papa's footsteps, 

Ran to bring him near. 
While her baby-lips kept saying, 

"Papa, mama here." 



Now they both have crossed the river, 

Without thought of fear. 
To that land where are no partings. 

And where falls no tear. 



Some blest day, I hope to meet them. 

Will my listening ear. 
Hear her sweet voice, once more saying, 

"Papa, mama here." 



VERSES FOR CHILDREN. 



YONDERLAND. 71 

CHRISTMAS. 
A True Incident. 

ON a street in Chinatown, 

Children at their play- 
Talked about good Santa Claus 

And of Christmas day. 

"I shall hang my stocking up, 

Where I'll Santa see 
While he packs the goodies in," 

Said sweet Susie Lee, 

"I think he'll bring a dolly 

And a cradle, too. 
And so many other things, 

Dear, what shall I do?" 

"I shall hang my stocking up," 

Said brave Willie Boies, 
"And get it full of candy, 

And just lots of toys." 



72 , CHRISTMAS. 



Of course these little schemers, 
Soon in dreamland slept, 

While their guardian-angels, 
Loving watch-care kept. 



<? 



c/ 



A 



But early in the dawning. 

Eyes were open wide. 
To find their empty stockings 

Hanging side by side. 

With sad hearts they whispered, — 

"China-mama right, 
There never is a Santa 

Coming in the night." 

Now later in the morning, 
I ^ Having "eaten rice," 
/ '^ They hear voices shouting, and are 
Out doors in a trice. 

Little Mey Wing and Ah Soo 
(- Heard the words they said. 

And planned to hang their stockings, 
Close beside their bed. 

When their mama learned of it, 
L With a look of scorn. 
She told them that no Santa 
Ever yet was born. 



YONDERLAND. 73 

Still when Christmas Eve came round, 
^ With a Chinese prayer, 

They made their silken stockings, 
Fast upon a chair. 



"Let us stay awake all night," 
(\, Said our quaint Ah Soo, 
*^ ''Watching till the morning light 
To see if Santa's true." 



/^ "Merry, merry Christmas," 
All the children said. 
And soon Willie Boies appeared 
With his bright new sled. 



"Santa brought it in the night," 
He called in boyish glee. 

"He brought me this dolly," 
Spoke sweet Susie Lee." 



Then, Ah Soo to Mey Wing said: 
"Leave our stockings fast, 

For, maybe, Santa comes to 
China-children last." 



74 CHRISTMAS. 



Time for rice once more drew near, 

Santa hadn't come, 
And these patient watchers, dear. 

With grief were nearly dumb. 



To the "mission-lady" now, 
They carry all their woe, 

Asking, "Why does Santa treat 
China-children so?" 



Then she told the precious story, 

Of the blessed child. 
Who lay in Bethle'm's manger, 

Fair and undefiled. 

"We should have no Christmas day. 

Had He never come, 
Nor could ever find the way 

To our heavenly home: 



"On his birthday every year, 
We give pretty toys, 

To make glad and happy, 
Little girls and boys." 



YONDERLAND. 75 

As they listened to the story, 

Dried was every tear. 
Softly now they query, "Will ours 

Come another year?" 



THE OLD NORTH CHURCH. 

WHEN you visit Boston city. 
And for old relics search, 

Be sure in all your wanderings, 
To find the old North Church. 

About the sexton, you will learn, 
Who without thought of dole. 

Entered in, and locked the doors, 
Then to the belfry stole; 

And with steady nerve and hand. 
Hung out the beacon light. 

Which gave to Paul Revere the sign, 
On that eventful night. 

Then, with all the speed within him, 
He hastened down the stairs. 

Out of a window found his way, 
Nor stopped to say his prayers. 



y^ THE OLD NORTH CHURCH. 

Now with very silent footsteps. 

He to his homejroof sped, 
And soon, to all appearances, 

Was fast asleep in bed. 

Meanwhile the hated "Britishers" 

Had broken into church, 
And found the one who lit the lamp, 

Had left them in the lurch. 



Here you'll find the high old pulpit, 
With narrow winding stairs. 

The quaint old-fashioned table. 
And very stately chairs. 



Here a prayer-book with "God save the 

King" neatly pasted o'er, 
For, declared these doughty Yankees, 

"We'll pray for George no more.'' 



These hidden words a tory parson. 
Once ventured to repeat. 

Then all the people rose en masse, 
And tossed him in the street. 



YONDERLAND. 77 

Near the entrance is a pew 

Once owned by General Gage. 
It seems that in those good old times, 

Back pews were all the rage. 

Though pious were the Puritans, 

There must have been some crooks, 

For there's a cubby in that pew 

Where the General locked his books. 



In gallery high, the organ stands, 
Which from far London came. 

When all the loyal colonists 
Revered the Kingly name. 



With twelve-score steps you'll find your way 

To the old belfry high. 
And catch a view of scenes more rare. 

Than often meets the eye. 



To picture, you will vainly try, 
What might have been that night. 

When the patriot sexton, brave, 
Flung out the signal-light. 



78 THE REASON WHY. 

One thing we know was just as grand, 

And beautiful as now, 
The ocean, blue, tumultuous. 

Before whose power we bow. 

You stand above those chiming bells. 

That for a century past 
Have lilted notes on summer air, 

And over wintry blast. 

On Sabbath morn, they ring "Praise God 
From whom all blessings flow," 

With tune as sweet, as they rang out 
A hundred years ago. 

So when you go to Boston town, 

And for old relics search, 
Don't fail, if you would find the best. 

To see the old North Church. 



THE REASON WHY. 



NUT CRACKER was a smaller chap 

Than you often see, 
He had a very cunning house/in/ 

'Neath a walnut tree. 



YONDERLAND. 79 

The only things that he would eat, 

Were the freshest nuts. 
He only asked enough of these, 

Without ifs or buts. 



Mr, Cracker had a neighbor. 

Mistress Sugar Doll. 
She lived in a cosy house 

By the garden wall. 

Now this dainty little woman 

Ate just candy things. 
She wouldn't touch another dish, 

Though 'twere fit for kings. 



When Mr. Cracker came to call, 

He couldn't stay to tea, 
Because he wouldn't eat her sweets, 

You can plainly see. 



Whenever she returned the call. 

It was just as bad. 
She wouldn't touch a bit of food 

Mr. Cracker had. 



8o A MONKEY STORY. 

Those silly people lived 

Alone all their days, 
Just because they didn't try to 

Learn each others' ways. 

Now don't you think of bigger folks, 

It is just as true, 
They stay alone, 'cause they won't play 

As the others do. 



A MONKEY STORY. 

YOU may have heard the story, dear, 

About a pedlar bold, 
Who often through the woodlands passed. 

With the goods he sold. 

One time in his heavy package, 

Were some scarlet caps, 
Which he had just been buying, to 

Sell the country chaps. 

For many hours he'd travelled, 

O'er the country hot. 
Till at last he reached a forest, 

A thrice welcomed spot. 



YONDERLAND. 8i 

Then he was so worn and weary, 

"I'll take a nap," he said. 
So he took from out his pack, a cap 

Drew it on his head, 



And threw himself upon the ground. 

Underneath some trees, 
Saying, "It is very pleasant, 

Here to take my ease." 

Now there were fully fifty monkeys 

In the branches hid. 
And from their lofty standpoint, saw 

Everything he did. 

Well you know^that every monkey 

Finds supreme delight, 
In doing what he sees man do, 
With his main and might. 



So when the trav'ler fell asleep, 
Down the trees they sped 

And every monkey seized a cap. 
Placed it on his head. 



82 A MONKEY STORY. 

The man awoke, and wondered where 

All his caps had fled. 
But soon, he saw the trees above 

All abloom with red. 



The monkeys chattered merrily 
O'sr this mischief done, 

The trader stamped his feet, for he 
Couldn't see the fun. 



Nor any way to get his goods, 

So, in wrath, he cried: — 
"Take this one too, you thievish crew," 

And threw his cap aside. 



Then each monkey true to nature. 

Tossed his cap in air, 
And the trees of curious blossoms, 

Soon were stripped and bare. 

These the pedlar quickly gathered. 

Laid within his pack 
Started on his lonely journey, 

Load upon his back. 



YONDERLAND. 83 

There's a moral to this story; 

Would you take a nap, 
Be sure there are no monkeys near 

To catch you in a trap. 



MARY'S LAMB. 

MISS MARY and her snow-white lamb, 
Are quite well known to fame 

It's very queer we never knew 
About her other name. 

In fact, she was the daughter dear. 

Of gentle Parson White, 
Who was a very godly man. 

In all his parish' sight. 

His home was in old Windham town. 
When British soldiers drilled 

On Boston Common, and with dread, 
Each patriot heart was filled. 

These soldiers ate up all the food; 

So for their daily bread. 
The people all were hungering, 

And asking to be fed. 



84 MARY'S LAMB. 

Then from all the country round, 
The farmers gathered food, 

And sent it in to Boston town. 
Most any way they could. 



From Windham town they sent their grain, 

Cows, also pigs and sheep, 
Hearing their plans. Miss Mary thought, 

Can I my lambkin keep. 



When so many boys and girls, 
Are wanting things to eat. 

And cannot get a drink of milk, 
Nor smallest bit of meat? 



As the driver passed her home, 
With somewhat motley train, 

He saw this generous hearted child 
Coming adown the lane. 



Her heart's treasure slowly leading, 
"Take this one, too!" she said, 

"For you know, good Mister Manning, 
The children must be fed." 



YONDERLAND. 85 



"And please, sir, won't you carry him, 

A little every day, 
'Cause, you know, he isn't used to 

Walking so far away." 

Now she gave her precious lambkin, 

A tender long embrace, 
Quickly turned her footsteps homeward, 

Tears streaming down her face. 

When her saintly father learned of 

Her loving sacrifice. 
He folded her close to his heart. 

And kissed her tear-wet eyes; 

Sweetly told her she belonged to 

That blessed company; 
Of whom the Christ would sometime say, 

"Ye did it unto me." 



ANECDOTE OF WEBSTER. 

WHEN Daniel Webster was a boy, 
He was not lacking grit; 

And often he escaped reproof 
With ever ready wit. 



86 ANECDOTE OF WEBSTER. 

An older brother Daniel had, 

Ezekiel was his name. 
And what Dan saw Ezekiel do 

Of course he did the same. 

One summer-time their father planned 

Some friends of his to see, 
And thought, while he was gone, his boys 

Would quite industrious be. 



Ere he was fairly out of sight. 
They joined in boyish plays 

With all the merry village lads. 
So quickly passed the days. 



When their beloved sire returned. 
He went their task to view, 

And great was his surprise to learn 
They'd had a playtime too. 



He called Ezekiel to his side 
And asked, what he had done, 

"Nothing," he said, and hung his head. 
For spoiled was all his fun. 



YONDERLAND. 87 

Turning then to Daniel questioned 

How he had spent the week, 
He quickly raised his roguish eyes, 

And answered, "Helping Zeke." 



WORSHIP. 



THE lark soars heavenward on swift wings, 
And on the air sweet notes he flings, 
With all his heavenly given powers 
Sings praise to God through morning hours. 



And when has passed the sun's last ray, 
The nightingale pours forth her lay 
In melody almost divine, 
Of angel's song, a shadowy sign. 



But we whose souls have come to know 
Of the dear Lord who loves us so, 
Should praise his name, the whole day long. 
With sweetest harmony of song. 



THE ROBIN'S STORY. 



THE ROBIN'S STORY. 

WHAT troubles thee so much, sweet bird? 

Why these sad notes I hear? 
Not like the carol fond of morn, 

What is the matter, dear? 

If I should tell thee, little maid, 

The truly reason why 
Thou hear'st my very mournful tones, 

I fear 'twould make thee cry. 

Did'st thou not watch my mate and I, 

Building' our pretty nest. 
Flitting about from day to day. 

Finding the very best 

Of things^ to make it soft and warm, 

A cosy little home, 
Thinking about the birdies dear. 

That into it would come? 

At last 'twas done, and four blue egig-s 

Were lying- snugly there, 
Then day by day, I brooded them, 

With mother-loving care. 



YONDERLAND. 89 

Happy was I that sunny morn. 

When out from tender shell 
The sweetest little birdling came, 

Too great, my joy, to tell. 

And then my mate with thrilling song 

Carolled the story o'er. 
And brought us dainty food to eat, 

Till there were birdlings four. 

Now both of us went out to search 

For worms and fruit and seeds, 
To bring our birdies in the nest 

And so supply their needs. 

And just like all the other birds, 

We loved our darlings so, 
We joyed to work the whole day long. 

To bring them things, you know. 

'Twas but a little while ago 

A cruel boy came here, 
And took them every one away. 

Nor seemed our prayers to hear. 



go SHELTERED. 

This is my story sad, sweet maid, 
The tears are in thine eyes. 

Thou wilt not wonder any more 
Thy Httle robin cries. 



SHELTERED. 

ON a fair September morn 

Sitting half in dream. 
With a fishing-rod in hand 

Line within the stream. 

Suddenly there came to me 
Most unwelcome sounds. 

And I soon distinguished near 
Baying of the hounds. 

Quick I dropped my rod and line. 

Ran across the clear, 
Thinking I should hunters find 

On the track of deer. 

Soon a timid little rabbit ran 

Trembling to my feet, 
While in hot pursuit the hounds 

Sped with boundings fleet. 



YONDERLAND. 91 

In a trice, I hid the wild thing 

Close within my coat. 
Just a moment, and the dogs 

Held me bv the throat. 



Then with fast flying blows, I 
Fought them, till at length, 

They were conquered. Was it with 
More than human strength? 



How it nerved me with a power 

Seeming most divine. 
When I felt that frightened heart 

Throbbing close to mine, 

Throbbing, sheltered, I in search 

Of my rod and line. 
Conned the lesson o'er and o'er 

Of which this was sign. 



This I learned, when all its foes 
Would my soul defeat, 

I have but to Jesus haste. 
Fall at his dear feet, 



92 A WINSOME LADDIE. 

And He will stoop and fold me 

Closely to his breast, 
While his sweet voice will repeat, 

"Come to me and rest." 

If I, who am frail and weak, 
Shield a creature wild^ 

Willi he not much more protect 
His defenceless child? 



A WINSOME LADDIE. 

PASSING along the children's ward. 
On a well-remembered day, 

I paused before a snowy cot, 
Where a winsome laddie lay. 

Soon, I was sitting close beside him 

Whiling an hour away, 
Telling him tales of boys and girls 

And the merry games they play. 

Telling him, too, of Jesus, 
Who once lived here below. 

And took in his arms the children. 
Because He loved them so. 



YONDERLAND. 93 

And placing his hands in blessing 

Upon each childish head, 
"Of such is the kingdom of heaven, 

Let them all come," He said. 

Then his great brown eyes grew wistful, 

"If I could go to Him, 
Would He put his hands on my head 

And bless poor little Jim?" 

"Truly, yes," I answered softly, 

"And some day He will come 
And take you in his loving arms 

To his dear children's home." 



"I wish He would come to-morrow," 
He whispered with a smile, 

"For I've been lying on this bed. 
The longest, longest while." 



Then I kissed the little fellow, 
And brushed away a tear, 

Saying, "I'll come another day. 
And sit beside you, dear." 



94 A VALENTINE. 

Homeward then my way I wended, 
But the little sufferer's face 

Drew me in the early morning, 
To the hallowed place, 

Where but yesterday I left him, 
Alas! there met my sight 

Just a cot, made bare and empty 
By his gentle spirit's flight. 

Then I knew a white-winged angel 
Had flitted down for him, 

And my spirit caught a vision 
Of Christ blessing little Jim. 



A VALENTINE. 

A BOOK there is of world-wide fame, 

With name the same as thine, 
We love its rare Acadian maid 
Evangeline. 

Through all the pages of this book, 

Her many virtues shine? 
May'st thou be just as true and sweet, 
Evangeline. 



YONDERLAND. 95 



To aught^ that pure and beautiful, 

Pray may thy^heart incline, 
Whatever else thou art, be good, 
Evangeline. 

And now, sweet girl, please don't refuse. 

To be my Valentine, 
Since it would grieve me so, my dear 
Evangeline. 



LITTLE JOE. 

THEY brought a laddie here 

Just a week ago, 
"I wouldn't mind at all," he said, 

"If it wan't for Joe." 

"Who is Joe?" I questioned. 

"Why, nurse, don't you know. 
He's my dear only brother. 

My poor little Joe. 

"We haven't any papa. 

Nor a mama, so 
We just stick close together. 

Me and little Joe. 



96 LITTLE JOE. 



"We live in a bit of room 

Down on Pidg^eon Row, 
And I sell papers to keep 

Me and little Joe. 

"He's such a poor lame fellow. 

He can never go 
Out to play with other boys, 

My poor little Joe. 

"Today the doctor told me 

I couldn't stay below, 
I'd have to go up yonder 

And leave little Joe." 

How my heart ached for the laddie! 

As I felt his woe! 
So I said, "Don't worry, dear, 

I will care for Joe." 

Then there stole the peace of heav'n 

On his face aglow, 
And his pale lips faintly whispered, 

"You'll love little Joe." 



AUG 30 1904 




,BBftBV 



OF 



CONGRESS 



018 



604 575 0^ 



